The Albert Lea Junior Gold hockey team ran its record to 3-5-1 overall in recent action.

The locals dropped a 4-2 game to Hastings at the City Arena. Jesse Bangert and Brady Engelby scored for Albert Lea, each assisting on the other’s goal. Albert Lea was outshot 32-13.

In a rematch at Hastings, the Junior Gold squad skated to a 2-2 tie. Scoring were Derek Sabinish and Bangert with assists going to Bangert and Leigh Dorman. Hastings had a 41-12 advantage in shots on goal.

The locals hosted Hudson, Wis., and won 3-0 behind goals by Justin Drescher, Bangert and Sabinish. Engelby had two assists, Kyle Nasby one. Shots on goal were 33-12 in favor of Albert Lea.

With four league games remaining and a 1-2-1 record in league play, coach Jerome Anderson is optimistic about the rest of the season &045; especially after tying league-leading Hastings and beating second-place Hudson.

&uot;The team is now beginning to perform well,&uot; said Anderson. &uot;I believe we can catch the leaders. The team looks good.&uot;

The Junior Gold team hosts a tournament this Friday, Saturday and Sunday at the City Arena.